Guidelines

Specs, guidelines and how to submit

Before sending your entry, please read these submission specs carefully. This page covers the format of the video, the technical guidelines, and the information we need from each band.

Video guidelines

At the start of the video, the band must clearly say: “AFRICA.ROCKS presents Soundcheck 2026”

The video does not need to be expensive or overly polished. We are not looking for a glossy production. We want a strong band performance in a real room.

Allowed:

• one camera or multiple cameras
• static shots or edited visuals
• different angles and cuts
• rehearsal room, practice room, studio room, warehouse, or similar setting

Not allowed:

• previously released videos
• fake live setups
• footage that does not match the performance
• content that misrepresents what was actually played

The band must be visible clearly enough for the performance to be followed properly.

Audio guidelines

The audio must come from one single continuous live performance.

That means:

• you may record with microphones
• you may use interfaces, external audio gear, and computer software
• you may clean up, balance, mix, or enhance the sound
• you may aim for a strong and clear final result

But:

• the audio must still come from one real live take
• you may not stitch together multiple takes
• you may not replace parts afterwards
• you may not add studio-recorded vocals or instruments after the performance
• you may not present a non-live recording as if it were live

In simple terms:
you can improve the sound, but you cannot fake the performance.

What we are looking for

The focus is on the band, not on expensive production.

The core judging criteria are:

• strength of the song
• performance
• originality / identity

You do not need a big budget to enter. You just need a real performance and a clear enough video and audio result.

Recommended technical specs

These are recommended, not mandatory, but please stay as close as possible:

Video

• MP4
• 1080p preferred
• horizontal format
• stable export with no visible watermark

Audio

• clear stereo mix
• avoid clipping, distortion, or extreme volume imbalance
• make sure vocals and instruments can be heard properly

How to submit

Please submit your entry through the official AFRICA.ROCKS submission method announced for Soundcheck.

Each entry should include:

1. Band name
2. Country
3. City
4. Song title
5. Band lineup
6. Contact name
7. Contact email
8. WhatsApp number or direct contact
9. Short band bio
10. Links
11. The video file (see below)

The video file

1. The entry must be submitted as a downloadable video file or through a private file-transfer link such as WeTransfer, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
2. Do not submit your entry via YouTube.
3. Public or private YouTube links will not be accepted as valid submissions.
4. The submitted contest video may only be uploaded to YouTube by AFRICA.ROCKS, in line with the official rules on video rights and exclusivity.

Before you submit

Please check the following:

• the song is original
• the video is ideally under 5 minutes
• the video was filmed for Soundcheck
• the spoken intro is included
• the audio is one continuous live take
• the file or link works properly
• your contact details are correct

Important note

By submitting a video, you confirm that:

• the band has the right to submit it
• the information provided is accurate
• you accept the official Soundcheck rules, including the video rights and prize terms